Gregoire unofficial winner in Wa. gubernatorial race

[mactastic]

Link (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002127931_webgregoire22.html)

Recount results from King County today made Democrat Christine Gregoire the apparent but unofficial winner of the extraordinarily close Washington governor's race.
The hand recount in the state's largest county gives Gregoire a 10-vote margin of victory. Rossi won the first two counts.

Results do not include 700-plus recently discovered ballots from King County, home of Seattle and a Democratic stronghold. The state Supreme Court ruled earlier today that those ballots should be counted. They will be added to the total tomorrow, and are expected to favor Gregoire.

The election results will likely be challenged in court.

Republicans vowed to seek out Rossi voters whose ballots were disqualified and said they will fight to have those votes counted.

"This battle is not over," State GOP Chairman Chris Vance said. "This election is not over."

10 vote difference. Amazing.

[zimv20]

it's up to 130 now. link (http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-washgov24dec24,0,7396673.story?coll=la-home-headlines)


SEATTLE — Democrat Christine Gregoire expanded her lead over Republican Dino Rossi to 130 votes to possibly win the race for Washington state governor in a recount seven weeks after the election, officials said Thursday.

King County, which encompasses Seattle, finished counting most of its previously uncounted votes Thursday, boosting Gregoire's lead over Rossi from 10 votes to 130 votes.


The final result is expected to be challenged in court by the Republican Party, which had argued that any previously uncounted votes should not have been included in the final tally.

[blackfox]

I am watching this with interest. It is a novel situation and for me, an interesting look at an example of the shoe being on the other foot...


at some point soon, however, I would like there to be a concession and a new, uncontestable governor - the people of Washington deserve as much.

[Sayhey]

It should be taken as an object lesson for Democrats everywhere. The principle is to have all the votes counted. Good things happen when they are. Not a bad principle to tie oneself to as well. I see where Sen. Feinstein is introducing a bill to do away with the electoral college. How about a Democratic resurgence under the slogan "one person, one counted vote!" Nice ring to it.

[IJ Reilly]

Yup, that's a good way to frame the issue, though I doubt it will move many legislatures in the smaller state which benefit from the current system.

As for Washington state, the fight appears to be far from over. Republicans are calling for counting previously "rejected" votes in other counties (even though the extra votes in King County weren't "rejected," they were just plain misplaced.)

[Sayhey]

Yup, that's a good way to frame the issue, though I doubt it will move many legislatures in the smaller state which benefit from the current system.

As for Washington state, the fight appears to be far from over. Republicans are calling for counting previously "rejected" votes in other counties (even though the extra votes in King County weren't "rejected," they were just plain misplaced.)

Perhaps it should be "One person, One equal and counted vote." I think the smaller states should have their collective feet put to the fire on the question of equality. How does one defend the unequal system as it stands? I keep hearing about how no candidate will pay attention to the smaller states if we do away with the electoral college, but I haven't seen many presidential candidates running to campaign in Wyoming or Alaska. If that is truly the hang up, then let's change the campaign finance laws to include campaign stops in every state in order to get public financing. The reality is that the present system magnifies a conservative advantage in the South, and the GOP needs to be forced to defend that.

As to the Washington vote, I think you're right that it is far from over, but it now shifts to a Democratic position of strength. If the Republicans must go across the state cherry-picking votes that have been disqualified in order to try and overturn the election they are at a severe disadvantage. The Democrats should respond that if there are legitimate reasons that a vote should be counted that hasn't been up to this point - then so much the better. However, all such votes must be considered, not just ones that help the GOP.

[stubeeef]

:confused: :confused: :rolleyes: :cool:

[skunk]

Is that your final word on the subject? :p

[solvs]

Well, I guess this is a good thing. I can't really stand either of them. Rossi would be good fiscally, but not so good socially. Gregoire, the other way around. They both kinda bug me. I'm glad everyone's vote is going to be counted though. I remember seeing a sign that said "You lost twice Christine, concede." Good for her she didn't, but if it turns out Rossi did win, I will accept it.

Kinda makes me think maybe there were a couple of misplaced votes in other States. Especially considering how many turned out to be for the Dems. Makes you wonder...